Cosmetics Through the Ages

Posted by: admin  :  Category: french cosmetics

Tens of billions of dollars are spent each year by women around the world on makeup and other cosmetic products Ads promoting hair care products and makeup fill the airwaves and many of today’s bestselling magazines are beauty related.

While today’s cosmetics industry is amongst the most dominant markets, the use of makeup has actually been with us for thousands of years.

The earliest recorded use of makeup involved the Egyptians of the 4th Century before Christ. Scented oils, sheep fat based cremes and eye paint were applied by upper class women to beautify their facial features.

In the following millenniums, women in the Far East, especially the Japanese and Chinese, stained their faces with a powder derived from rice to make their complexions a pasty white, while both men and women of the aristocratic classes in Europe applied white lead and chalk powders to achieve the same ghostly effect. The pale face was desirable, as it differentiated the wealthy from the ‘common’ workers who had sun-bronzed complexions. Another method of obtaining the desired look involved a powder comprised largely of hydroxide, carbonate, and lead oxide, the latter often leading to lead poisoning. During this same period, Greek women applied ocher clay and red iron to their lips – perhaps the first historical lipstick application.

Little changed during the dark centuries of the Middle Ages. Perfumes with alcohol bases were introduced to Europe by Crusaders returning from the Middle East in the 1200’s. In the 1400’s upper class women in England, again seeking a whiter complexion, took to applying egg whites to their faces. But the real emergence of makeup in European society took place commencing in the following two centuries, especially in France and Italy, with the former in particular being responsible for the development of manufacturing facilities for both makeup and perfumes. These were created from aromatic natural ingredients like fruits, tree bark, flowers and roots employing a very laborious blending process that necessitated the use of excessive quantities of these natural ingredients in order to produce very small amounts of products.

The use of cosmetics spread throughout Europe during the next two hundred years, with their use becoming more and more prevalent amongst all but the poorest women. And in the 1800’s, the French began developing more advanced scientific processes for the creation of new cosmetic products, with zinc oxide bases now replacing more dangerous substances such as copper and lead. And the first beauty salons made their appearance towards the end of the 19th century.

It should be noted that that at some times and places, such as in Victorian England of the 19th century, the use of makeup and other cosmetics was frowned upon and seen as proper only for stage actors and the like, being far too ‘vulgar’ for upper class society.

But the birth of the cosmetics industry as we know it today did not take place until the early 1930’s. In large part, Hollywood was responsible. Popular actresses such as Mary Pickford and Jean Harlow appeared on screen before millions of admiring women across America and Europe, introducing a modern tanned look to the masses. And Hollywood makeup artist Max Factor began using pancake make-up and other products to produce desirable looks for the cameras.

Following the end of the Second World War and with the emerging economic boom, came the growth of today’s cosmetics industry, accelerated by the new technology of television. Ads for cosmetic products, especially lipsticks and mascaras, abounded and concurrently came the blossoming of the beauty magazine industry. Since the 1970’s an abundance of new cosmetic products to meet the concerns of a health conscious public have been created, such as natural cremes and conditioners and, more recently, mineral makeup.

There are nowadays countless cosmetic products available to women throughout the world. Billboards, television, magazines, newspapers and the Internet are replete with marketing messages and promotions for every possible type of cosmetic need one can think of. For the consumer, this means both more choice, and lower prices because of the enormous competition for the customer’s dollar. The cosmetics industry has definitely come a long way from the days of sheep fat cremes of the ancient world.

Michael Rupkalvis

http://www.articlesbase.com/cosmetics-articles/cosmetics-through-the-ages-126077.html

Foundation Make-up Types: Which One is Yours?

Posted by: admin  :  Category: foundation makeup

Women of all ages wear foundation make-up. It is a great way to cover blemishes and discolorations of the skin in order to give your face a smooth and flawless look. The problem is choosing which foundation is best for you. No two people are alike, therefore, skin types vary as well. With the variety of foundations on the market today, women want to know one thing: “How do we choose the right foundation for us?” Depending on what skin type you have, the texture of your skin, and of course, the type of blemishes you wish to cover is how you determine the type of foundation you need to use.

Some of the best foundations for dry skin are the traditional and well known liquid foundations, tinted moisturizers and any other type of foundation that contains skin moisturizers. Liquid foundation is available in small bottles and best applied with either a make-up pad, cotton-ball or the pads of your fingers all over the face as an all over coverage concealer. Tinted moisturizers relieve dry skin irritation while giving your skin the appearance of a light glow. There are also whipped foundations such as mousses and creams. These are very airy and go on light and thin. This is ideal for dry skin types. Especially if you are prone to the caked make-up appearance after putting on liquid foundations.

Powders and mineral make-up foundation is the best solution for oily skin types. The powder helps keep your face dry and reduces that oily look. Powders are often light and applied easily using a make-up pad or brush. Mineral make-up is perhaps the biggest craze at the moment. While this make-up provides great coverage, it also tends to be a lot more expensive than traditional foundations. That is because the SPF coverage tends to be higher, it is hypoallergenic, contains more natural minerals such as zinc oxide and talc, has no chemical additives and is available in a wide array of tints.

For mixed skin types of both oily and dry, stick concealers and cream to powders are best. Stick concealers can be used for spot coverage or all over coverage. It tends to be a very thick foundation, which maximizes coverage of blemishes, aging, circles under the eyes and more. Cream to powder foundations are the perfect mix of both cream style and powder style make-up. When you first apply the foundation, it goes on as a cream, and as it dries to the face, it forms a powder layer. This not only helps control combination oily and dry skin types, it cuts out the need of having to put on powder after you have applied your foundation.

Each foundation is available in a variety of skin tone colors. It is up to you to determine your skin type and which foundation works best for you. Once you have found your preferred make-up, all you have to do is apply it and go. It is that simple and easy to achieve the flawless looking skin that you deserve.

S. Hartel
http://www.articlesbase.com/cosmetics-articles/foundation-makeup-types-which-one-is-yours-714377.html

Cosmetics Saftey and What Should We be Really Using on our Skin?

Posted by: admin  :  Category: cosmetics nail polish

For the longest time, companies that make everything from after-shave to lip gloss have conducted safety testing on grooming products and shipped the cosmetics to stores to be sold to consumers, all with very little government involvement. And over the years, there have been few health or safety problems associated with the myriad grooming products and cosmetics on the market. Nevertheless, momentum has been building for greater oversight of the chemicals in everyday products, with the European Union and California taking the lead in imposing new rules for monitoring what is in the perfumes, creams, nail polish and hair sprays that are sold.

The California Safe Cosmetics Act, which took effect on Jan. 1, requires cosmetics companies to tell state health authorities if a product contains any chemical on several government lists covering possible cancer-causing agents or substances that may harm the reproductive system. The cosmetics industry is already taking steps to heighten self-monitoring, though representatives said the ingredients that the California law regulates pose no risk to human health when used topically in the small quantities found in some cosmetics.

Indeed, no rigorous large-scale clinical trials have been conducted that would indicate that cosmetics trigger major diseases in humans. But some small case reports published in medical journals suggest that a few substances used in cosmetics may affect hormone function in humans.

Scientists are particularly interested in a group of chemicals called phthalates — used in some nail polishes, fragrances, medical devices and shower curtains — some of which have had an effect on the reproductive systems of lab animals and can be absorbed and excreted by the human body.

Although the cosmetics industry considers the phthalates used in its products to be safe, some companies have voluntarily removed dibutyl phthalate, which California considers harmful to the reproductive system, from their nail polishes. But some environmentalists are pressing for a deeper analysis of the possible long-term effects of exposure to these chemicals. Some have formed a group called the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and natural beauty to publicize their concerns, using the Internet to highlight ingredients and manufacturers. Their efforts have raised the possibility that the cosmetics industry eventually could be subject to greater government regulation, with perhaps mandatory testing and product approval.

Since 1938, when Congress gave the Food and Drug Administration limited authority over beauty products, cosmetics has been a largely self-regulating industry. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs must submit safety data to the agency before it approves them for sale to the public. But cosmetics do not need agency approval because they are defined as topical products (like moisturizer or mascara) that alter neither the structure nor the function of the skin.

Beauty manufacturers are required to ensure the safety of their cosmetics before they go on sale, but the federal agency has never defined safety, according to an agency spokeswoman. That has left it to the beauty industry to settle on a definition, with the overall standard being that products are safe for use if they do not irritate the skin when applied as directed. By that standard, the industry has a long record of safety, with about six billion products manufactured annually worldwide, and only rare reports of problems like allergic reactions.

Steven James

http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/cosmetics-saftey-and-what-should-we-be-really-using-on-our-skin-106741.html

Organic Cosmetics: Why Should You Use Them?

Posted by: admin  :  Category: eyeshadow cosmetics

You hear a lot about organic cosmetics these days. This type of makeup is really becoming quite popular, but if you aren`t sure what all the hype is about, it`s easy to dismiss this as just another trendy, like glittery lip gloss or blue eyeshadow. However, these new types of cosmetics are here to stay, and for good reason.

What Are Organic Cosmetics?

Most makeup has chemicals and assorted non-organic ingredients to create the effects wanted. Unfortunately, these aren’t the best for your skin and some people even find that they are allergic to the ingredients in mainstream cosmetics.

When the ingredients are natural and organic, this basically means that you are getting the purest of ingredients to apply to your face. No chemicals are included, Nature`s own ingredients are used to work with the skin and provide that healthy glow as well as actually making your skin healthier.

The Benefits

Did you know that your skin actually absorbs much of what you put on it? Those chemicals that are used in regular cosmetics are passing through your skin into your bloodstream, even in small amounts. While this might not cause any immediate effects, you still have to wonder what will happen in the long term. Organic cosmetics are worth using, if only for the peace of mind you`ll have!

Some further benefits of these 100% natural cosmetics include the following:

- Fewer allergies. Most people are sensitive to at least a couple of chemicals and these can actually get worse with extended use. Makeup with natural ingredients tends not to trigger allergies, though there are a few people who may still be sensitive to some natural ingredients.

- Healthier skin. Avoid clogging up your pores with aluminum based products, instead use natural makeup to promote healthier skin.

- Better health in general. What you may not be aware of is that often the ingredients used in natural cosmetics actually have other health benefits.

For example, certain herbs hold aromatic properties to stimulate your sense, while others are absorbed through the skin and can actually make you feel better.

- No more clogged pores. These types of facial products tend to be lighter and easier on the skin. This means no more clogged pores and fewer pimples.

- Repair damaged skin. If you`ve suffered from sun damage or even rashes and outbreaks from using chemical-based cosmetics, then going 100% organic is an excellent idea. The natural materials contained in these products will help repair that damage and create smooth, new skin.

- Less is more. The fact is that organic cosmetics tend to be more concentrated, which means you really use less to get the same effect. It equals better coverage without plastering the makeup on, too.

You`ll find that with organic cosmetics, you can enjoy great looks without worrying about what you`re putting on your skin. There will be fewer zits and outbreaks simply because your makeup won`t be clogging your pores like before and the natural ingredients will help your skin stay healthy and glowing . . . even when you`re bare faced!

While these products may be slightly higher in price than regular, chemical-ridden ones, the benefits are many and since you can use less to get the same effect, it`s really worth the cost. Not to mention, you`ll have fewer skin problems that need to be treated, meaning you will have fewer products to purchase, which is also a major area of savings. 100% organic is the way to go when you want to look good, without lasting effects and guilt.

A Nutt
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/organic-cosmetics-why-should-you-use-them-669414.html

Discount Health and Beauty Products

Posted by: admin  :  Category: beauty products

Discount health and beauty products online allow you fast and easy access to many top cosmetics retailers at discount cosmetics prices. You can buy all your discount health and beauty products from secure discount health and beauty shops online. Shopping for discount health and beauty products online also provides discretion that you won’t find at the discount health and beauty stores that you have to go to in person. There are separate discount beauty aids for men and women. You can have discount cosmetics and discount health and beauty products delivered right to your door with just the click of a mouse.

On these sites you can find skin care products, discount cosmetics, makeover products, perfumes and other skin supplements. You can also find discount health and beauty products that are made from natural herbs and essential oils that you might not be able to find at your local drug store. There are a variety of different online discount health and beauty shops. Certain online department stores specialize in offering discount beauty products and cosmetics. There are also online shops that sell only discount luxury beauty products and top quality brands.

Many beauty product manufacturers have their own websites that provide more details regarding their products as well as discount prices. There are also a number of websites displaying lists of some of the best shops selling discount beauty products online. You can even find sites that display the week’s top seller of a particular product group, which makes it easier for you to judge the market value of a product. Discount health and beauty products for sale on the Internet have to satisfy specific guidelines to ensure quality.

Most discount health and beauty products purchased from websites include shipping charges along with the listed price. Some companies may charge shipping fees later during the delivery of the product however. Make sure to check into shipping and handling fees when buying discount health and beauty products online to determine whether you will actually be saving any money in the long run.

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Groshan Fabiola

http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/discount-health-and-beauty-products-100743.html